"Well, yes. It can't be helped," said John, trying to speak cheerfully.
"Work going to stop?"
"Not for a few days—three or four, I suppose. But if more men go out to-morrow and next day,—if the strike don't end by then—"
"It won't yet," she said.
"I'm afraid not."
"It won't—yet awhile. The masters and the men's both equal set on their own way; and neither's ready to give in one inch to the other. There 'll be a fight first."
John nodded.
"And the works 'll have to stop?"
"Yes. It ain't known certainly yet; but I've had a private word. Not the only one," muttered John.
A look of fear came into Mrs. Holdfast's eyes. "The men?" she breathed.